11-17-10 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 11-17-10

THIS CHRISTMAS MARKS THE 20th ANNIVERSARY -

Hallmark marks their 20th anniversary with their just released 1964 Pontiac GTO Keepsake Ornament. It's interesting to note since they focus this series on Classic American Cars over the 19 previous years, almost every car they have done has been an American Muscle car mostly based on cars from the 1960s. The Corvette has had two models that have been done and now the GTO has had two different model years make it into the lineup.

Almost every other model company, whether in plastic or diecast, has made a Buick Grand National. Over the last 25 years, it's been done in almost every scale you can think of, from the HO 1/64th scale to the large 1:18th scale. Hallmark is probably the only company that has not yet offered a Grand National as a Christmas ornament.

I went on ebay this week and by chance one source was offering all 19 previous Hallmark Classic American Cars, still new in the box, for $299. Since the retail on them is $14.95 each, finding all 19 previous ones for $299 is not a bad price.

I have always liked the various Hallmark Christmas ornaments as they always have great detail.

Maybe we should do an email campaign now to Hallmark to see if the Buick Grand National can be the one Classic American Car for next year 2011!

PHOTO 1 - Shows the 1964 GTO Hallmark - Classic American Cars for 2010. Detail is quite good, even down to the wheel covers.



SPOTTED AT THE RECENT GS NATIONALS -

One of the most rare items we saw at the GS Nationals was being sold by one vendor. He had one each of the Buick Motorsport tachs brand new in the original boxes. One had a 3" or 3-1/2" diameter face and the other had the larger 5" diameter face complete with switch and a key to set the memory. I did buy both of them and both have already been sold. In all the years of attending the GS Nationals I can’t recall ever seeing any of these tachometers for sale.

The Buick Motorsport program unlike the Chevrolet program was very small in the number of products they offered. I have a December 1987 Dealer Parts and Accessories Price Schedule and neither part number appears in this book. Based on that both of these tachs must have not yet been produced. The other Buick Price book I have is dated March 2001. It shows the one part number 25500151, which is the smaller Buick Motorsport Tachometer. The part number for the 5" diameter tachometer is #25500150. The 2001 Buick Price Schedule states the #25500151 tachometer was discontinued in July of 2000. The larger 5" diameter Buick tachometer is not listed, so it's safe to assume it was discontinued sometime earlier than the year 2000.

Unfortunately, I do not have any Buick price schedules for the years between 1987 and 2001.

These Buick Price schedules are very hard to obtain since parts departments would only get a few and they were not meant for the public consumer to see or have.

The 1987 Price Schedule is a one-volume book and the 2001 Price Schedule is a two-volume set and has twice as many pages as the 1987.

PHOTO 2 - The top photo shows both tachometers at the vendors spot at the GS Nationals. Notice the solid red Power Six logo on it and the word "BUICK" on the faceplate. Both tachs are very well built units with a glass face over the gauge. The lower photo shows the 5" diameter tach and the unique switch and bezel that the switch mounts to, which is controlled by a key.

These tachometers were advertised in a Buick brochure back when they were new. Since neither tachometer part number appears in my 1987 Price Schedule, it leads me to believe the tachometers were not available until sometime after 1987. Unfortunately, I don't have that brochure.

PHOTO 3 - The top photos show the front and back of an original Buick Power Source Brochure featuring the Buick V6 performance parts for the 3.8 and 4.1 engines. Unfortunately, this brochure is not dated and it does not show either of the Buick tachometers. The lower photo shows the inside pages with the various engine parts available.


NEXT WEEK MORE BUICK LITERATURE - PART 16 -



THANKSGIVING MINI CONTEST - GUESS HOW MANY M & Ms

Here are the rules. Please read them carefully!

You get 3 guesses.

They must appear in one single email only directly to me - [email protected]

Contest is open to all Inner Circle members, except those associated with any of the various Turbo companies.

The deadline is this coming Saturday, November 20th, 2010, 6 pm eastern time.

The only clue to establishing the size of the Wrigley's Chewing Gum metal tin container is - The tin container originally came with 10 packs of gum, 5 sticks in each. We picture one pack of gum by the actual tin container.

The object is to guess the number of regular size plain M & Ms we have placed in this metal tin container without going over the actual number of M & Ms.

In case of a tie, the earliest answer received would be the winner.

There will be a 1st prize valued at $100, 2nd prize valued at $75, and a 3rd prize valued at $50.

Part of the first prize is the metal tin container filled with M & Ms and the 1964 Hallmark GTO shown in Photo 1 of this Inner Circle!

PHOTO 4 - Shows a picture of a Wrigley's Doublemint Chewing Gum metal tin container. The tin container originally held 10 packs of stick gum. Each pack of gum had 5 sticks in it. We show one of the packs of gum. That is the only clue to determining the actual size of the metal tin that now holds the M & Ms.

Good luck.



CARS ADS CAN BE CONFUSING -

I have seen statements like this more than once concerning classified ads for Turbo Buicks. The ad will state, "all original" and then go on and say with many upgrades. "All original" means no changes or no upgrades. If the car has upgrades then it is modified, or if it states improvements have been made, then the car is no longer considered all original. The ad should say, "mostly original with minor upgrades."

I love the ads that say, "highway miles." Aren't most cars driven on highways? Where else would it have been driven?

Or, "the nicest one you will find." Really, how does that seller know that for sure.

Or, better yet, "car is soon to be a classic." Every Yugo owner wishes that would come true! I actually saw an ad for a Yugo and that tag line was in the ad!

Since I read a lot of car ads and look at various cars for sale, I could almost write a book about how ads are written and what is really factual about the car. It's amazing how everyone's interpretation of the words "mint condition" can be so different.



RARE WE4 - FOR SALE -

A good friend of mine is selling this fine example of a WE4 hardtop.

It has just 28,000 original miles, a stock drivetrain with factory astro roof. Finding a WE4 with a factory astro roof is extremely rare. Car has power windows, power locks, concert sound II, power trunk release, and new tires all the way round. The engine compartment is detailed with no oil leaks. Car has a little bit of paperwork. A very nice example that runs and drives just like new. Car is located in New Jersey. Asking $16,900. For more info, contact Greg Glenn - 732-406-6285 - email - [email protected]



NEW BUICK PART -

We had an actual prototype on display at our Open House and at the GS Nationals. In both events this product generated a lot of interest because it offers a simple solution to the problems associated with the factory upper dash panel, which cracks over a period of time.

Another factor is the GM list price on the upper dash panel is now over $215 each. Some customers have even reported that over time, even the new plastic GM upper dash panel cracks!

We have made a steel overlay panel, powder-coated grey with a textured finish to closely match the original upper dash panel. This panel can be painted over the grey powder coating, if you need to have it in a different color for your interior. See complete information below.

Delivery will be later this month as they are already made and at the powder coating place now.

NOTE - This new part does not qualify for the Christmas discount!

1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
UPPER DASH OVERLAY PANEL

The factory upper dash panel from GM now retails for over $220 each and the price will likely continue to increase, and it may eventually be discontinued. From GM this panel comes in one dark shade of blue. The GM upper dash panels are still made in plastic and can also crack in time.

We have an inexpensive solution. We had a flat steel overlay panel made to simply go over the factory plastic upper dash panel.

Our photo shows an original panel on the top and our new overlay panel at the bottom.

The radio speaker vents, defroster ducts, and automatic climate control series of holes (the group of small holes in the shape of a rectangle to the right of center) have been laser cut in the overlay panel and match up to the original vents and holes in the plastic panel.

To give the new steel overlay a cleaner look, we eliminated the 5 screw holes across the bottom of the original panel. This can be seen in the photo when compared to the original upper dash panel in the same photo.

We have them powder-coated grey with a textured finish for a lasting appearance. If you have any other interior color, you can simply paint this panel to match.

This new overlay panel can be attached using various methods, such as double-sided tape or glue to secure it in place.

This is an inexpensive "fix" for the cracking problem that affects almost every 1978-1987 Regal, as seen in the photo on the left. It is less than half the cost of the GM replacement plastic upper dash panel. Our overlay panel is shown installed in the photo on the right. Since it is made in flat steel, the overlay panel will never crack or distort!

Unfortunately, both of these photos were taken through the windshield glass, so there are some reflections and color variations.

A nice interior restoration item.

7303 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Upper Dash Overlay Panel $79.95*
*NOTE - DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR CHRISTMAS DISCOUNT.

Here is the link the this Upper Dash Panel on our website -
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43837/UPPER+DASH+OVERLAY+PANEL+%237303.html



THE GIFT FOR THE PERSON WHO HAS EVERYTHING -

Custom-Airbrushed "TRUE FIRE" Flames
Microsoft® Wireless Mobile Mouse Model 3500

Today almost everyone has a computer, whether it's a desktop, or a laptop, or a notebook style. Now, you can have a custom airbrushed mouse to go with your computer. Since it is so unique, it makes a great Christmas or birthday gift.

We start with a brand new Microsoft® Wireless Mobile Mouse Model 3500, which retails for $29.95. These are compatible with both PC or Mac computers.

The center shell of the mouse is carefully removed, then prepped, scuffed, and cleaned. Then, using an automotive basecoat, 2 coats of black paint are applied. Then a unique flame design is custom air brushed, layer after layer. Flames are first painted with white base coat, followed by a transparent candy yellow and orange to give it a unique deep 3-dimensional appearance. Once dry, 2 coats of high-quality automotive urethane clear are applied as a final coating. The end result is a surface as smooth as glass.

Each mouse is carefully inserted into the original Microsoft® packaging. The package comes with a battery, USB connector, and directions to download the appropriate mouse software.

The quality and workmanship is excellent. Unfortunately, since there is such a fine shiny finish, it is difficult to photograph, so the picture of the "True Fire" flames mouse on our website does not do it justice.

Each one is custom airbrushed, so no two are exactly alike.

The popularity of similar flames designs in the marketplace is just as evident today as it was years ago. Flame designs can still be seen on many show cars. A unique touch to compliment your computer. Makes an excellent gift for any PC or Mac user.

Microsoft® Mouse Details - For Windows®-based PC and Mac, BlueTrack Technology(tm), Plug-And-Go Nano Transceiver (leave it plugged in or stow it in the mouse), 8-Month Battery Life, ON/OF Switch, Comfortable in Either Hand, and 3-Year Warranty.

7301 - Custom-Airbrushed "TRUE FIRE" Flames
Microsoft® Wireless Mobile Mouse Model 3500 (PC or MAC) - regular price $39.95*
*CHRISTMAS SPECIAL PRICE - $36.95 (Can NOT be combined with any other special)

Here is a link to this Flame Mouse on the web site -
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43835/Custom-Airbrushed TRUE FIRE Flames Mouse #7301.html



CHRISTMAS SPECIALS -

Unlike previous years where we listed a dozen or so parts at a special price, we decided to do something a little different this year. We will give a full 15% off many of our Turbo Buick parts. On a few items this discount will be 10%.

NO DISCOUNT on these items; #7021 - Rebuilt Powermaster Brake Unit #7273, Replacement Driver's Side Header #7274, Replacement Header and Headers Kit #7280-7295, 8-Piece and 11-Piece Custom-made & Embroidered Trunk Kits, and #7303 Upper Dash Overlay Panel. There is NO additional discount for any items already in Package Deals or items discounted when purchased in combination with another product.

These discounts can't be combined with any other specials. This discount started Tuesday, October 19th and ends Friday, December 17th at 4 pm. A flyer on this will be in all our outgoing orders. This is one-time discount from our company on virtually 90% of our product line for Turbo Buicks.

Because of limitations on the website, you will have to call in your order to take advantage of this discount - 215-766-1611 x 0.

Here is a link to our Christmas Specials on the web site -
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/inner_circle.php?nak=100



IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING
85 mph SPEEDOMETERS Recalibrated to 145 mph -

If you are sending us your analog 85 speedometer to be recalibrated (Part #6810), do NOT send us the entire dash cluster. All we need is the metal faceplate attached to the actual speedometer unit. Just sending it this way makes for less of a chance of anything getting broken or us having to remove any additional parts from the cluster. If you are not sure, just call our office before taking it out of your car.



IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING
REBUILT POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS -

We receive many powermaster brake units to be rebuilt. Cardone, the company that rebuilds these units, will ONLY warranty their original brake units. Returned units MUST be complete as originally sent to you, including the brake bowl.

It's important to remember Cardone (who rebuilds them for us and many other sources), is in the "rebuilding" business, and NOT the restoration business. The powermaster brake units are fully tested and cleaned prior to re-assembly. Once done, the units look good but they will not look like brand new or restored new units.

So, if you are purchasing a unit from us, it will be a rebuilt unit, not restored.

If you are having a unit replaced through warranty, you will receive your exact unit back. Once Cardone verifies it is one of their original units, it will be rebuilt and sent to us, then we will return it to you.


NOTE ABOUT PHOTOS ON THE WEBSITE -

We have heard from a couple people that have viewed the photos on the website. Because these have to be low-resolution photos to work on the Inner Circle segments on the website, any photos of text don't appear clear when enlarged. This is a problem when you are trying to see numbers, such as those on the VIN labels or pages from Options booklet. Also, because of photo reproduction and computer screen variations, the colors may not be true to the actual product or photo.

If you would like to have us email you any photo at the higher resolution for viewing, just email us and we will email them to you. Be sure to be specific on which pictures you want to see - Reference Inner Circle date and photo number 1, 2, 3 or 4 - [email protected]



GOOD NEWS - A LIMITED SUPPLY - 1984-1985 TURBO REGAL SPARK PLUG WIRE SET -
Because of requests, we recently had a small run of the correct length grey 1984-1985 Turbo Regal spark plug wires. They are in stock. We have 4 sets left. They are $50 per set plus $8 shipping. You must contact our office directly to be assured of getting one of these 4 sets. We have no plans to have these run again. To order, call - 215-766-1611 x 0.



ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION WORKS -

Got any turbo parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit. Simply email me a list - [email protected]

Also, we are still buying dead or partially dead 1984-1987 Turbo Regals under $4,000 that are within 250 to 350 miles of our location.



CALENDER OF EVENTS -

The 2011 events will be posted at the beginning of next year 2011.



EBAY LISTINGS -

If you would like to see any of the Kirban Performance Products items listed on eBay, here is a link to our store and auctions -
http://stores.ebay.com/Kirban-Performance-Products-Inc_W0QQssPageNameZl2QQtZ km



ABOUT OUR EMAILS -

Any inquiries concerning used parts, you must email me direct - [email protected] - I will answer you. However, if I fail to answer you within 24 hours, please email us again. Since expanding into used parts, I get a lot of emails and sometimes I may forget your request or not remember who requested the item.



IN CLOSING -

Be sure to order your Christmas items early from parts on our website.

Remember, because of limitations on the website, you will have to call in your order to take advantage of the Christmas Specials discount - 215-766-1611 x 0.

Contest winners will be announced next week!


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